Often dubbed the “elixir of long life” or “mushroom of immortality,” Reishi is one of the most potent and respected functional mushrooms on the planet. It’s been used medicinally for over 2,000 years and contains a wonderful array of vitamins, nutrients, and compounds to support immunity and overall health.

If you’re interested in functional mushrooms, then Reishi is one that you don’t want to miss.

Reduces Stress

One of the most common uses of Reishi is for its calming, anti-stress effect. It has shown to be effective at relieving anxiety and depression, as well as helping to lower blood pressure.

This is thanks to the adrenal support that Reishi provides. It’s a potent adaptogen –– i.e. a plant that helps the body deal with all kinds of physical, chemical, or biological stress. When you’re able to relieve stress and keep your body in a state of balance, you’ll be less fatigued, have better cognitive function, and be able to maintain a sharper focus throughout the day.

As well, Reishi contains an array of different antioxidants, polysaccharides, polypeptides, triterpenes, and other compounds that work to mitigate the body’s response to stress.

If you need to cool down at any point in the day, Reishi can be a great option. That’s why it’s at the core of our Chill Out blend.

Supports Immune Function

No matter what season of the year we’re in, it’s always important to have a well-functioning immune system. Reishi has been clinically proven to have a positive impact on white blood cells and the immune response. This leads to a powerful anti-inflammatory effect that increases your body’s ability to deal with pathogens, viruses, and stress.

Much of this effect is due to Reishi’s high concentration of beta-glucans, which have potent immune-boosting properties. Reishi also promotes the development of B and T lymphocytes, immune cells that are vital for the production of antibodies and the overall regulation of immune function.

Anti-Cancer Properties

Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases on our planet and finding a cure has been a focus of our medical system for generations. Functional mushrooms are beginning to show a lot of promise in their ability to help fight cancer, and Reishi is leading the charge, as the mushroom has shown to inhibit the development of cancer as well as targeting and destroying existing cancer cells. A 2010 study related Reishi’s anti-cancer effect to a compound called ganoderic acid, which is a triterpenoid found in the mushroom that attacks the development and metastasis of tumors.

More research is needed, but the beneficial nutrients in Reishi are showing significant promise in cancer research and may be an integral part of treatment for the disease in the future.

Reduces Inflammation

Managing chronic inflammation in the body is essential for overall health. Over time, inflammation damages healthy cells, tissues, and organs, and plays an important role in the development of more debilitating diseases and conditions.

The rich antioxidant profile of Reishi targets inflammation throughout the body, lowering oxidative stress and ensuring that your systems are always functioning at their best.

Helps with Insomnia

Part of Reishi’s potent calming effect is its ability to help you comfortably drift off to sleep every night. Because of this, it’s a fantastic functional mushroom to add to your evening routine when you want to wind down at the end of a long day. This is particularly the case when you’re having a hard time calming your mind before bed.

Our Chill Out blend is centered around Reishi and is designed exactly for this –– to help you relax and prepare for a restful night of sleep. Head over to our online shop to check it out.

References:

National Center for Biotechnology Information, Ganoderma Lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi)
National Center for Biotechnology Information,Spore Powder of Ganoderma lucidum Improves Cancer-Related Fatigue in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Endocrine Therapy: A Pilot Clinical Trial
National Center for Biotechnology Information,Hypotensive and neurometabolic effects of intragastric Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) administration in hypertensive ISIAH rat strain
National Center for Biotechnology Information, Cellular and molecular mechanisms of immuno-modulation by Ganoderma lucidum
Life Extension Magazine, Fight Immune Decline with Reishi
Science Direct,Ganoderic acid T inhibits tumor invasion in vitro and in vivo through inhibition of MMP expression